By EDWARD OSEGHE
The Norrod Abbot Global Football Academy was officially unveiled on Friday at the Media Centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, with a commitment to developing young talents both on and off the field.
Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of the academy, Onoriode Onyen, said the vision of Norrod Abbot transcends football training, aiming to mould disciplined and educated individuals who can excel beyond the sport.
“Norrod Abbot Global Football Academy was founded with a clear purpose – to discover, nurture, and empower young football talents from all walks of life.
“Our vision is not just to build great players, but to raise disciplined, educated, and inspired individuals who will become a generation of footballers groomed in a home of hope, rigorous training, and transformation,” Onyen stated.
He described the academy as a “sanctuary for hope, training, and transformation,” emphasising its focus on cultivating well-rounded individuals equipped with technical skills, discipline, and ethics.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Edo State Football Association, Fred Newton Erhunmwunse, commended the initiative and pledged the Association’s support for its programmes.
“This is the kind of development we are eager to see. While we hold office, we are committed to supporting genuine football academies like Norrod Abbot by granting access to state-owned facilities,” Erhunmwunse said.
In his remarks, Director of the Edo State Sports Commission for Edo South Senatorial District, Baldwin Bazuaye, conveyed the state government’s endorsement of the academy. He noted that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo has mandated the Commission to drive grassroots sports development.
“Programmes like Norrod Abbot Academy align seamlessly with this vision, and we are fully behind it,” Bazuaye affirmed.
The unveiling marks a significant step towards developing the next generation of football stars in Edo State, integrating sports, education, and personal growth into a holistic training framework.
